The change has already begun: the new EU packaging directives

The change has already begun: the new EU packaging directives
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In recent months, the European Union approved Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), a package of measures that will redefine the way we consumers interact with food packaging. Lets not mince words: the change is huge, and Ill explain it to you simply and concretely.
Say goodbye to unnecessary packaging
Imagine going to the supermarket and finding fewer bloated, unnecessarily bulky packages. Packaging will need to be lighter, more compact, and free of empty spaces . By 2030, the regulation requires a 5% reduction in weight and volume (10% by 2035, 15% by 2040) compared to 2018 levels.
The result? Less bulky packaging, optimized transportation costs, and less waste to dispose of.
www.europarl.europa.eu
Stop single-use plastic mini
January 1, 2030, marks a turning point: single-use plastic will be banned for fruit and vegetable packaging under 1.5 kg, for single-serving sauces, cream, and sugar, and for small bottles in hotels and bars.
This means goodbye to those pre-packaged snacks you open and throw away, and hello to more sustainable, biodegradable, or reusable containers.
Reuse: yes to the container holder
By 2030, at least 10% of beverage packaging will have to be reusable . But thats not all: bars, restaurants, and takeaways will have to allow customers to bring their own water bottles or lunch boxes at no extra cost.
In practice, Italy could embrace the German model: coffee in your thermos, lunch in your lunch box, and no plastic to throw away.
www.apaconfartigianato.it
Deposit for bottles and cans
Remember when you returned a bottle in Germany and got pennies in return? By 2029, the deadline, the EU will impose mandatory deposit systems for plastic bottles and beverage cans.
Seeing your recycling bin empty of 100 bottles has never been so satisfying!
www.europarl.europa.eu
No PFAS in food packaging
Starting August 12, 2026, it will be prohibited to use food contact packaging containing PFAS above certain levels. These so-called permanent pollutants, still present in many durable materials, will disappear.
The result? Greater safety for our health and less contamination in our food.
www.consilium.europa.eu
Clear and transparent labels
From 2028, all packaging will have to have uniform EU-wide pictograms that:
1. they clearly explain the quality of the material,
2. guide to correct recycling,
3. They certify whether the packaging is compostable, reusable, or recycled.
Say goodbye to misleading text and greenwashing: relevant information, instantly readable.
More recycled plastic inside
For PET food-grade bottles, there is a requirement to contain at least 30% recycled plastic by 2030. This percentage will increase to 65% by 2040.
Other plastic packaging will be required to contain at least 25% recycled content. This is a decisive step against the indiscriminate use of virgin plastic.
www.repubblica.it
🗓️ When will they come into force?
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1. February 11, 2025 : publication in the Official Journal
2. August 12, 2026 : Implementation of the main rules on PFAS, weight, single-use, reuse and carrying over of recycled content
3. 2028-2030-2035-2040 : the other progressive reduction and recycling stages come into force.
✅ What will change for us, consumers?
Smarter shopping : less plastic, more compact packaging, and products designed to last.
Different experience at the bar : no more mini-bottles, you can drink coffee from your own container.
Return Port Bonus : A small refund for each bottle returned.
Greater food safety : fewer toxic substances in materials that come into contact with food.
Simplified recycling : with uniform pictograms, we will always know what to do.
In conclusion
This regulation isnt just a simple update: its a true revolution in the way we design, consume, and dispose of food packaging. Its a change that affects us all: it invites us to consume better, demand greater transparency, and actively participate in the transition to a more circular model.
Even just bringing your own water bottle to the bar or choosing recycled plastic is part of the change. The future is already in our shopping bags.
Sources and further information
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/it/press/press-releases/2024/12/16/sustainable-packaging-council-signs-off-on-new-rules-for-less-waste-and-more-re-use-in-the-eu
https://www.apaconfartigianato.it/single-post/regolamento-ue-sugli-imballaggi-pubblicato-in-gazzetta-ufficiale-ue
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/it/press-room/20240419IPR20589/imballaggi-via-libera-a-nuove-norme-ue-su-riduzione-riuso-e-riciclo